30 Minutes Or Less

What Did I Watch? 30 Minutes Or Less

When Did I Watch It? Saturday June 16, 2012

Where Did I Watch It? Home, on Blu Ray

Filmed In..... 

Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA 

Ludington, Michigan, USA 

Michigan, USA

Another Michigan made film that I watched on Saturday was 30 Minutes or Less. 30 Minutes or Less tells the tale of a pizza boy who delivers pizza to some scheming minds. The scheming minds of Dwayne & Travis (McBride & Swardson) decide that they need money to make their business dreams come true. How can they get this money? They don't want to work for it, and they don't want to have to do anything crazy, so what can they do? The come up with the plan to make someone else do the crazy stuff like robbing a bank for money. 

But how will they get the money from the person who robs the bank from them? Well, one of the guys is a expert bomb-maker Travis (Swardson) and he makes a vest that will explode in a matter of hours or at the flip of a switch. How do they get a person to do this? Well, after disguising themselves as apes they call for a pizza which Nick (Eisenburg) brings to them. The masterminds tackle him down and force the vest on him. They tell him their plans and what he has to do to get them done. He says he won't do it. He has just a few hours...

From there we see Nick drive around in a panic until he arrives at a school. His "Friend" Chet (Ansari) works at the school as a sub. When Nick arrives at the school and shows Chet the bomb vest Chet freaks and says, "Really, the first place you thought you'd come is a school?" Nick begs him for his help and Chet eventually reluctantly agrees. We get to see whether Nick and Chet follow through with the bank robbery and all the comedic drama along the way. I definitely recommend catching this flick at least once. 

I have included some images below that we took while we were in Grand Rapids, MI. Grand Rapids was one of the shooting locations for 30 Minutes or Less. It was really neat to actually see Vito's Pizza (highlighted throughout the movie) and some of the other things that were highlighted in the movie, like the bridge where there was a fight scene. While at Vito's we even purchased a shirt like Nick's (Jesse Eisenburg) in the movie.  Vito's was proud about what they were apart of and even talked about how Jesse Eisenburg did a shadow on the pizza boys of Vito's before filming the role. They had shadow boxes of things and even had a dash clock, like the one in the movie. I loved being able to see it all and piece it together.

I almost forgot to mention that their pizza was FANTASTIC too!

 Pictures We Took.....

As seen in the movie 30 Minutes or less! Vito's Pizza of Grand Rapids
on Fulton street just west of GVSU campus. Near the Zoo.

The Trailer (Vito's Pizza Is Shown)

Whip It, A political story.....

What Did I Watch? Whip It

When Did I Watch It? Saturday June 16, 2012

Where Did I Watch It? Home, on DVD

Tagline? Be Your Own Hero.

I remember why I originally wanted to see this movie. I am a fan of anything that is produced or made locally. I love movies that are filmed in the state I live in, Michigan. That's why I was thrilled when Jennifer Granholm approved a Film Tax Credit. Being a lover of movies, I knew that this meant more films would be filmed in Michigan and money and jobs would come as well. Sounds like a win-win doesn't it? Well it worked for about three years and we had lots of great movies that came out and were made in Michigan along with shows as well. We had Whip It, 30 Minutes or Less, A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas, Real Steel, Scream 4, Transformers Dark of The Moon, Gran Torino, Youth in Revolt and many more. Odds are you have seen at least one of these films, and to know that they were at least partly shot in Michigan, I think that's cool.

After the three successful years of the film tax credit, most thought It would have continued on. Did it, no. Why? Well, with the coming of a new governor came the coming of new rules and laws. Rick Snyder decided to axe the film credit and with that he axed jobs. While he said he was saving us millions by getting rid of the film credit, he took away millions more in jobs. 

Did movies continue to come to Michigan after the tax credit was taken away? Not really. I remember the first big movie that was scheduled to shoot in Michigan after all this had happened was "The Avengers." They pulled out of Michigan, and decided to shoot somewhere closer who offered better incentives. This was a MAJOR film, and has grossed the ultimate box office this summer. Wouldn't have that been something nice for Michigan to have? I guess Rick didn't think so. 

While I really enjoy the film and have a great time knowing that it was shot in Michigan, it also leaves me sort of sour. I am disappointed that the tax credit couldn't have continued, who knows what would have been filmed next!

Watch the trailer to catch a glimpse of "Whip It," and to see if it's something that's your cup of tea.

Watch The Trailer....

The Birch Run Diner that was featured in "Whip It"

Interesting Video on Keeping the Film Tax Credit

Movies That were filmed (at least partly) in Michigan

Michigan Movies!!!!

Whip It (2009) Review On Monday June 18th

30 Minutes Or Less (2011) Review On Wednesday June 20th

Clueless

What Did I Watch? Clueless

When Did I Watch It? Saturday June 9, 2012

Where Did I Watch It? Home, on Blu-Ray

Tagline? Sex. Clothes. Popularity. Whatever.

Oh my God, I’m totally buggin if you haven’t seen this movie. For those of you that have, you know exactly what movie I am talking about, just by my opening sentence. I am talking about the classic Clueless. I watched Clueless this past Saturday, probably for the thousandth time.  Clueless is loosely based off of Austen’s Emma. Clueless is set in a Beverly Hills high school and gives us, the viewer a look into the popular girls at the school, and life in the 90s.

Clueless was released in 1995 and was directed by Amy Heckerling. The film was popular enough in box office to spawn a large book series and TV show. The books were ok; I remember reading a few, but only buying the ones with the “original” Cher on the covers. Cher (Alicia Silverstone) was replaced by Rachel Blanchard due to having a 10 Million dollar contract with Tri-Star Pictures.  The TV was nothing compared to the movie, and I remember being so disappointed in it. It had potential; the only cast missing from the series was the original Cher (Alicia Silverstone) & Josh (Paul Rudd).

Back to the movie, Clueless showcases the life of Cher and her friends. Cher lives in a mansion fitted with a maid and Gardner, this girl’s a princess. Her father, a 500-dollar an hour litigator lives with her as well. Cher’s mother died long before during a freak-accident during “routine liposuction.” Cher’s best friend is Dionne (Stacey Dash) who’s also rich and popular.

Another character highlighted in this film is the dreaded ex-stepbrother, Josh (Paul Rudd). Cher can’t stand Josh’s ways and Josh can’t stand that she is superficial. Cher meets a new girl at her school, who’s “so adorably clueless,” and she begins a PROJECT!

Cher also plays matchmaker to two teachers, Mrs. Geist (Twink Caplan) and Mr. Hall (Wallace Shawn). Why does she care? She wants them to relax on grading so harshly so she can boost her report card grades.

After doing good deeds for others, Cher realizes that she wants a boyfriend. In comes Christian (Justin Walker) they become fast friends and Cher invites him over. After failing to impress him, Cher feels like there is something wrong with her. Dionne’s boyfriend, Murray informs her that Christian’s a cake boy, he’s gay. Dionne than adds that the boy does know how to dress. Then my favorite line of Clueless comes from Cher; “Oh my God, I’m totally buggin.’”

In the end, it’s all a happy ending. Cher ends up with a guy she loves; the teachers get married, and all loose ends are tied nicely.

Would I recommend this flick? Definitely! This movie is probably my favorite movie of all-time, definitely in my top 5. From witty lines to classic music, Clueless has it all. Watch it for yourself, to see what I am talking about. You won’t be sorry. At least check out the trailer that I have included below….

Check out Clueless today, a true cinema classic in my book. A movie that I’ve owned on VHS, DVD and Blu Ray.

Check Out The Trailer......

The Craft

What Did I Watch? The Craft

When Did I Watch It? Saturday June 9, 2012

Where Did I Watch It? Home, on Blu-Ray

Tagline? Welcome to the Witching Hour 

 

This Saturday I watched The Craft. This movie is a 90s classic to me and a personal favorite. This movie came out in 1996. I was seven at the time. I actually didn’t see the full movie until I was twelve, but I caught bits and pieces on TV, along the way. Those bits and pieces got me interested in the movie, and when I finally saw it at Meijer’s on DVD I bought it.

The film revolves around Sarah, the suicidal-tendencies new girl. After moving, she joins the local Catholic High School in her town. Sarah then meets Bonnie, Nancy & Rochelle, three girls who have been working in the occult world. They decide to team up with Sarah after seeing that she is a natural witch (someone who is born with supernatural powers).

With Sarah in their group, they are more powerful than ever before. The group begins to right the wrongs in their lives. With this, they begin to realize that their powers are real, and they are strong. They begin to cast spells on classmates that have wronged them. After all the spells on the classmates work, Nancy wants to try something stronger. Nancy, with help from the trio decides to “invoke the spirit.” She succeeds and all the new power goes straight to her head. She goes insane with all the new power. After the girl’s earlier spells come back to haunt them Nancy kills Sarah’s ex-boyfriend for “hurting” her.

Sarah has realized that the power has indeed gone to an insane level in Nancy and that she needs to stop it. She doesn’t want anyone else’s blood on anyone’s hands. Sarah puts a binding spell on Nancy, but since Nancy is so strong it doesn’t work. Nancy finds out and is pissed off beyond belief. She gets Rochelle and Bonnie to team with her to confront Sarah.

Sarah knows what’s coming so she heads to the local witchcraft store. There she meets with Lyria and asks how she can stop Nancy. Lyria tells her that there is only one way to do so and that is to call a “higher power.” Sarah calls the higher power and she prepares to fight.

Now, I don’t want to give the rest away, but this is the best part of the movie, and definitely makes the whole movie worth the ending.  I definitely recommend all to at least rent this flick and to find out how it all ends for themselves. At least watch the trailer to see if it’s something you’re interested in. (Below…. I made it VERY easy…)

The Craft was a sleeper hit grossing just 10 million above its 15 million budget. According to Box Office Mojo, this film is the 7^th highest grossing film since 1980 that has to deal with witches.

Check Out The Trailer.....

Next Weeks Movies~ I love the 90s (Favorite Movies of Mine)

The Craft (1996) Review on Monday June 11th

Clueless (1995) Review on Wednesday June 13th

Heathers (Wednesday June 6th Post)

(Wednesday June 6th Post)

What Did I Watch? Heathers

When Did I Watch It? Saturday June 2, 2012

Where Did I Watch It? Home, on Blu-Ray

Tagline? Best Friends, Social Trends and Occasional Murder.

 

Heathers was released in 1988 as a Black Comedy and starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. When Heathers was originally released it was considered a box office bomb. It recouped a little over half of its 2 million dollar budget while in theaters. This film now has achieved a Cult Classic status, and has wound up on numerous “Best” lists.

Now, I was born in 1989 so how did I ever come across Heathers? I believe it was multiple ways. I remember my mom recommending it to me probably when I was 13 or 14. I also think I saw a trailer for it on an old VHS that I was watching around the same time. After seeing the trailer, and my mom’s recommendation (she’s generally good at picking movies that I’ll like) I headed out with my mom to buy it.

Here I am a 13 or 14 year-old girl standing in Media Play (R.I.P.) looking at Heathers on DVD in awe of the price. If anyone remembers Media Play the one thing they will remember is there availability to literally any movie know to mankind, and there sky-high prices. Heathers was $22.99, I purchased it thanks to birthday money and probably some from my mom as well. Walking out of the store I was excited to add this movie to my growing collection. At this point in time my collection probably had about 100 movies in it. Now I have over 1,500 movies in my collection easily.

Now, back to Heathers, this movie centers on a clique in Ohio at Westerberg High School.  The clique is composed of four teenage girls, three who are named Heather.  The other clique member who is not a Heather is Winona Ryder who plays Veronica. While Veronica is popular, she wants to give up her popularity and head back to her geek friends since the Heathers are shallow bitches.

That’s when a new student, J.D. (Christian Slater) shows up and the bodies begin to pile up. Heather is dead, and with a suicide note left behind, people assume it’s just another teen suicide with the pressures of high school. Is it just suicide? Or is it something more? But as the teens continue to die off, suicide becomes the cool thing to do at Westerberg High. Students are trying to kill themselves left and right, and it looks like the Heathers reign may soon be over.

To find out Veronica and J.D. can take over the Heathers and rule the school with equality and not shallowness check out Heathers. If you’re not sure if Heathers is for you at least check out the trailer that I have included below.

Jawbreaker (Monday June 4th Post)

(Monday May 28th Post)

What Did I Watch? Jawbreaker

When Did I Watch It? Friday June 1, 2012

Where Did I Watch It? Home, on Blu-Ray

Tagline? The Sweetest Candies Are Sour As Death Inside

If you haven’t realized by now, each week I pick a duo of movies that goes together for one reason or another. Previous weeks have been current movies (John Carter & The Avengers), 80s movies (Gremlins & Child’s Play), a current again (Men In Black 3), and now Cliques In Cinema (Jawbreaker & Heathers-Coming Soon to this blog on June 6, 2012). I hope you’ve enjoyed my picks thus far. Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any choices you’d like to see highlighted, and I will be sure to at least consider them.

So I just finished watching Jawbreaker for probably the fiftieth time easily and now to blog on. The first time I saw Jawbreaker was probably pretty close to its VHS release date.  Jawbreaker was theatrically released on February 19, 1999. It is a shocker to me that this film is now 13+ years old, makes me feel old. I have owned this movie in many formats, from the VHS to DVD to Blu-Ray.

This film was inspired by “Heathers,” the movie that I will be blogging about on Wednesday. Watching both recently, I know I saw similarities first and foremost the dynamic female cliques that were highlighted. Both movies have a somewhat of an outcast, “Veronica” in Heathers and Julie in Jawbreaker. Is it any surprise that these two characters are my favorite in there respectable movies, I think not.

The “Flawless Four” are the most popular girls of Reagan High. They also make up the clique that is highlighted in this film. The clique includes Courtney (Rose McGowan), Marcie (Julie Benz), Julie (Rebecca Gayheart) and Elizabeth (Charlotte Ayanna). Courtney, Marcie and Julie want to play a surprise birthday prank on Elizabeth by kidnapping her. Needless to say, the prank doesn’t go as planned and one girl is left dead (trying not to spoil the movie for those who haven’t seen it).

Julie immediately freaks out and wants to inform the cops. This does not happen and another girl calls the school and poses as the deceased girls’ mother and informs the school that the girl is just sick and one of her girlfriends will pick up her homework. To make everything appear to look normal, the remaining girls go to school, with the dead girl in the trunk. When no one shows up to claim the homework the principal asks another student, Fern Mayo (Judy Greer) to take the homework to the students’ home. Fern overhears what happened and freaks out, but not before Julie and Courtney see her. Courtney chases after her and tells Fern that she can take the deceased girls’ place and become a “somebody”.

What does Fern decide? Does she accept the chance to become a “somebody?” Or does she inform the cops? Do the guilty parties ever get found out? If you are interested, I recommend watching this Flick. If you are a fan of movies like Heathers and Carrie, then you most definitely should check out this film. It is a favorite of mine and while I am not sure if it cracks my top 10, it is certainly up there. I also am a fan of music in film and this film has great music all the way through. It’s one of those movies that you can pop in while completing homework just to listen to the cheesy lines and all the great music. I definitely recommend it. Check out the trailer, it is posted below!

Trailer....

Men In Black 3 (May 30th Blog Post)

What Did I See? Men In Black 3

When Did I See It? May 27, 2012

Where Did I See It? US-23 Drive-In Theater (Flint, MI)

Taglines? They are back... in time

I know I am a little bit late with this blog post, and for that I apologize. I recently saw Men In Black 3, and needless to say I wasn't disappointed. I have always loved these films, however after I saw the second one I was disappointed in the direction of them. Ten years later (Length of time between theatrical releases of MIB 2 & 3) This movie brought back the MIB fan in me! I remember seeing MIB 2 at Miracle Twin Drive-In Theater (Closed in 2008, Demolished now) so it was nice to see MIB 3 at another somewhat local Drive-In. I have always been a fan of seeing movies under the stars, late at night. It adds an enhancement to movies, especially a movie like Men In Black 3 with the whole zany space theme underneath it all.

Men In Black 3 starts off with you meeting the Villain of the film whose dubbed "Boris the animal." Boris breaks out of the space prison with aid from his girlfriend Lily. Boris's main intention after breaking out of prison is to kill the agent that put him there. The agent that captured Boris decades ago was Agent K. After Agent K & J investigate a spaceship crash in NYC, they see Boris. Boris escapes from Agent K & J. We then see K regret that he didn't kill him in the past (1969) instead of just sending him to intergalactic prison.

The next day, Agent J wakes up and heads to the MIB headquarters. There he asks where Agent K is and he is informed that K died at the hands of "Boris the animal" in 1969. Agent O (The new Chief) informs Agent J that there must have been a fracture in the space-time continuum. With that, Agent J heads back in time to try to stop "Boris the animal" from killing Agent K.  Agent J goes back in time with the help of a local electronic shop owner, and meets a very young Agent K. 

Agent J has just one day to save Agent K's life. Does he do it? Will there be another sequel? Is a big secret of Agent K's spilled to Agent J? All of this and more is answered when you attend a screening of Men In Black 3.

Would I recommend this movie? Yes, in a heartbeat. I thought this movie was almost as good as the original and surpassed the second by leaps and bounds. If you are a fan of the first, but didn't like the second, give this one a try.

Check Out The Trailer.....

Who the Villain is...

Classic MIB Music